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Nigerian Army: List Of Shortlisted Candidates For SSC Course

By
James Orji
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Soldiers

The Nigerian Army has announced the release of the list of shortlisted candidates for the Short Service Combatant Commission Course 49/2026 Selection Board.

In a Monday statement signed by the Military Secretary (Army), the Army said the full list of successful applicants is now available on its recruitment portal recruitment.army.mil.ng.

The shortlisted candidates, according to the statement are to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy, Ribadu Campus, Kaduna State, on December 1, 2025

“The shortlisted candidates are to report to the Nigerian Defence Academy Ribadu Campus (Old Site), Kaduna State on 1 December 2025.Keep Watching

“Candidates are advised to be in Kaduna on 30 November 2025 and report to the Selection Board venue between 6 am 11 am on 1 December 2025,” the statement partly read.

The Army warned that “candidates who arrive after 11am on 1 December 2025 will be automatically disqualified.”

It was stated that candidates are required to present original and photocopies of all academic and professional certificates, including NYSC discharge or exemption certificates.

They must also bring a valid birth certificate, certificate of state of origin, BVN printout, NIN slip, and completed forms from the SSCC portal.

The Army further listed items candidates must come with, including writing materials, blue shorts, white T-shirts, white canvas shoes, toiletries, beddings, full-size coloured photographs, and scratch cards for checking WAEC or NECO results.

Parents or guardians must also provide a “duly signed Letter of Consent” made in a recognised court of law, declaring they will not seek compensation for any injury or death during the exercise.

The selection process will include document verification, physical and medical tests, academic assessments and an oral interview.

The Army noted that any alteration on documents will automatically render them invalid.

According to the statement, candidates will be accommodated and fed during the exercise but must cater for their transportation. The use of private vehicles and visits from outsiders are prohibited for the entire duration.

The Army also cautioned that a high level of discipline is required, stressing that “candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.”

The statement added that, due to the military nature of the exercise, the Nigerian Army will not be liable for injuries or deaths recorded during the selection.

“A high standard of discipline is expected from all candidates. Candidates who violate any instruction during the Selection Board will be disqualified.

“Due to the military nature of the Exercise, the Nigerian Army shall not be liable for any injuries/deaths recorded in the course of the Selection Board,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Defence sources say the recruitment is part of the Tinubu’s administration efforts to bolster Nigeria’s Armed forces to be able to tackle imminent threats.

Zenith Bank Awards N140m To Hackathon Stars, Reinforces Commitment To Innovation

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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A total cash prize of N140 million has been awarded to  10 African innovators to scale their transformative solutions after a keenly contested hackathon and pitch session at the Fifth Edition of the Zenith Tech Fair, themed “Future Forward 5.0: Tech for Success – Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate”, which held on Thursday, November 20, 2025, at the Eko Convention Centre, Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The 2025 edition of the Zenith Tech Fair featured an expanded, dual-competition structure that included a high-stakes Hackathon for product development and a Startup Pitch Competition for early-stage ventures, and drew participation from thousands of developers, founders, and entrepreneurs across the continent.

The prize money was shared among ten finalists who emerged from the over 2,000 contestants that took part in the Zecathon. In the hotly contested final, two major winners emerged, each receiving the top prize of N30 million. The winner of the Hackathon, Trust Loop, clinched first place for its innovative solution that delivers seamless digital KYC and liveness verification. Simultaneously, the winner of the Startup Pitch Competition, Cubbes Technologies Limited, secured the top spot for its revolutionary AI-powered EdTech platform that enhances learning and career readiness.

The remaining eight (8) finalists across both categories were equally recognised, each receiving ₦10 million in non-dilutive funding. They include Venille Ltd, Sowota, FLOW, InvoPay, Zenith Intelliscore, The Very Hacked Men, Konfam and Zerax. All ten finalists will also be entitled to a six-week mentorship and incubation programme designed to help them grow and scale effectively, and this will run from December 2025 to February 2026.

The Group Managing Director/CEO of Zenith Bank Plc, Dame Dr Adaora Umeoji, OON, in her welcome address, thanked the Founder & Chairman, Dr Jim Ovia, CFR, for the visionary foresight that led to the creation of the Zenith Tech Fair. Commenting on the Zecathon, she said, “Our theme this year, ‘Tech for Success: Innovate, Adapt, Accelerate’, is very timely. To appreciate its urgency, it helps to reflect on the speed of human progress. According to the Harvard Business Review, it took humanity millions of years to master fire, yet only 66 years to move from the first powered flight to landing on the moon. The lesson is simple – the next technological breakthrough will not take a lifetime. It will emerge sooner than we expect and could come from any one of you in this room today. We are confident that this Tech Fair will produce innovators who will change the world, and we stand ready to support you to turn your ideas into reality.”

In his Goodwill Message, the Founder and Chairman of Zenith Bank Plc, Jim Ovia, CFR, said, “This fifth edition reflects our unwavering commitment to create value through technology, innovation, and talent development. My vision is to continue to empower the youth through technology, with the hope that one day we will produce the likes of Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and Jeff Bezos.”

Whilst delivering his goodwill message, the Governor of Lagos State, His Excellency, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, called for increased technological empowerment initiatives to provide youths with adequate opportunities needed to thrive in the digital future. He said, “What I see happening here every year are things that we in leadership need to connect with. This is an activation that can bring life and real conversation to the young, dynamic, innovative, and creative young people that we have in this country. By 2050, half of the youth population in the world will be in Africa, and even in Africa, they will be in Nigeria, and if they are in Nigeria, they will be somewhere in Lagos, and we need to be able to fish them out. We need to give them an opportunity and a space to fly. We want to make Lagos the human capital centre of the world, where Microsoft and Google will think of raising a million tech experts. That’s the kind of vision and opportunity we want to leave behind.”

Hailed as a resounding success by participants, the Fair showcased cutting-edge demonstrations on the role of Generative AI, Agentic AI, and Cloud Computing in driving economic growth with Keynote addresses delivered by Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Managing Director, M-PESA Africa; Jonas Kjellberg, Co-Creator, Skype and Dr. Shivagami Gugan, Chief Technologist for Middle East, Turkey and Africa, AWS.

The event also featured goodwill messages by the National Commissioner, Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr. Vincent Olatunji, and the Governor of Niger State, His Excellency, Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, ably represented by the Head of Service, Niger State, Mr. Abubakar Sadiq Idris.

Another key feature from the tech fair this year was the robust exclusive masterclasses delivered by global technology and consulting powerhouses: McKinsey & Company, Huawei, Check Point, and Microsoft. These sessions covered critical topics from cybersecurity to advanced cloud solutions and disruptive technologies, equipping participants with world-class insights.

Aside from the thrilling musical performance by Nigerian musician Spyro, the fair also featured dual-panel sessions that were very insightful and highly interactive. The panel sessions both had Zain Asher, CNN Anchor, as host, and featured high-level discussants including Adaora Nwodo, Founder & Executive Director, NexaScale; Aisha Tofa, Board Chair, Startup Kano Centre for Innovation Dev.; David Kpakima, CoFounder, Rasab Group, Sierra Leone; Dr Stanley Jacob, President, FINTECHNGR; Iyinoluwa S. Aboyeji, CEO Future Africa; Gary Fowler, CEO & Founder GSD Venture Studios; Bradwin Roper, Chief Payments & Partnerships Officer at JUMO, and Mrs. Omoyemen A. JideSamuel, Director, Information Technology, CBN.

Zenith Bank remains committed to fostering an ecosystem where innovation thrives, ensuring that the next generation of African tech leaders have the capital, mentorship, and resources required to achieve global scalability and impact.

The Bank’s track record of excellent performance has continued to earn the brand numerous awards, including being recognised as the Number One Bank in Nigeria by Tier-1 Capital for the sixteenth consecutive year in the 2025 Top 1000 World Banks Ranking, published by The Banker and “Nigeria’s Best Bank” at the Euromoney Awards for Excellence 2025. The Bank was also awarded Bank of the Year (Nigeria) in The Banker’s Bank of the Year Awards for 2020, 2022 and 2024; Best Bank in Nigeria from 2020 to 2022, 2024 and 2025, in the Global Finance World’s Best Banks Awards; Best Bank for Digital Solutions in Nigeria in the Euromoney Awards 2023; and was listed in the World Finance Top 100 Global Companies in 2023.

Further recognitions include Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria for five consecutive years from 2021 to 2025 in the World Finance Banking Awards and Most Sustainable Bank, Nigeria in the International Banker 2023 and 2024 Banking Awards. Additionally, Zenith Bank has been acknowledged as the Best Corporate Governance Bank, Nigeria, in the World Finance Corporate Governance Awards for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025 and ‘Best in Corporate Governance’ Financial Services’ Africa for four consecutive years from 2020 to 2023 by the Ethical Boardroom.

The Bank’s commitment to excellence led to Zenith being also named the Most Valuable Banking Brand in Nigeria in The Banker’s Top 500 Banking Brands for 2020 and 2021, Bank of the Year 2023 to 2025 at the BusinessDay Banks and Other Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards, and Retail Bank of the Year for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022 and 2024 to 2025. The Bank also received the accolades of Best Commercial Bank, Nigeria and Best Innovation in Retail Banking, Nigeria, in the International Banker 2022 Banking Awards, Bank of the Year 2024 by ThisDay Newspaper; Bank of the Year 2024 by New Telegraph Newspaper; and Best in MSME Trade Finance, 2023 by Nairametrics. The Bank’s Hybrid Offer was also adjudged ‘Rights Issue/ Public Offer of the Year at the Nairametrics Capital Market Choice Awards 2025.

Zenith Bank has also bagged several non-financial awards, including Most Responsible Organisation in Africa, Best Company in Transparency and Reporting and Best Company in Gender Equality and Women Empowerment at the SERAS CSR Awards Africa 2024.

US To Tinubu: You Must Capture, Punish Bandits For Kidnapping 300 Students

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School - Kebbi State

The United States, US government says the Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration must ensure that bandits responsible for the kidnapping of over 300 school children, are swiftly captured and brought to justice.

The Donald Trump-led government issued the warning on Monday via the the State Department’s Bureau of African Affairs X handle, saying the abductors must be held accountable for their criminal acts.

The warning, according to analysts, is the latest in the diplomatic spat between the two countries over worsening insecurity situation in Nigeria, which the US government said should be tackled.

Over 300 school students were last week kidnapped by bandits in Kebbi and Niger states by bandits, a situation that has prompted serious fears in the country. The federal and state government have responded by ordering closure of schools until the situation stabilized.

Some of the student were said to have escaped and reunited with their parents at the weekend, even as pressure continues to mount on the government to ensure that schools in the country are safe for students.

The US government however said the perpetrators of the abductions must not go unpunished, that the Tinubu administration must go after them to ensure that they are apprehended and brought to justice.

US State Dept: , “The United States condemns the mass abduction of reportedly over 300 students and teachers from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Papiri, Niger State, Nigeria, and the kidnapping, just days before, of 25 schoolgirls from the Government Girls Comprehensive Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State.

“Those responsible for these crimes must be swiftly captured and held accountable. The Nigerian government must act decisively and do more to protect Christians and ensure Nigerians can live, learn, and practice their religion freely without fear or terror.”

Recall that President Trump had at the weekend expressed his frustration with the federal government’s handling of insecurity in the country, describing the Tinubu administration as a ‘disgrace,” saying the US may be forced to withdraw aids to Nigeria is the situation persisted.

“I think Nigeria is a disgrace. The whole thing is a disgrace. They’re killing people by the thousands. It’s a genocide. And I’m really angry about it.”

“And we pay, you know, we give a lot of subsidy to Nigeria, which we’re going to end up stopping,” the U.S. leader said on Fox News Radio.

Trump had earlier threatened to use military force against Nigeria if the federal government failed to rein in alleged Christians genocide in the country.

Sch. Abductions: Ezekwesili Says Govt, Security Agencies Crippled By Corruption

By
Tosin Olatokunbo
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Obiageli Ezekwesili

Nigeria’s former Minister of Education, Oby Ezekwesili has blamed systemic corruption and bad government in the country for the recent  mass abductions in the country.

The former minister said the government failed to listen to clarion calls to end the corruption malaise in the country, which she said has now become “cancerous” so much so that it has crippled many institutions, including security agencies, and prevented them from being effective.

Ezekwesili, co-convener of the Bring Back Our Girls movement  spoke via the post she shared on her verified X handle on Monday,  saying corruption is at the bottom of the mass kidnappings of Nigerians, particularly school children by bandits.

Her remark comes on the heels of the recent abduction of school children in Kebbi and Niger states by bandits, raising serious apprehension among not a few Nigerians who are worried of the safety of their children and wards while in school.

The magazine also reported the kidnap of scores of Christian worshipers in Eruku, a community bordering Kwara and Kogi states last week even though they have now been released by the bandits.

On Sunday, some of the students abducted in a Catholic School in Niger state were said to have escaped and reunited with their parents.

To prevent further abductions of school children, the federal and some state governments, last week announced the immediate closure of schools, saying the action was necessary until the situation becomes normal again.

According to Ezekwesili, the problem of corruption and bad governance which the government failed to tackle at the right time has worsen and now yielding the fruits of criminality such as mass abductions of Nigerians for ransom by criminals elements in the country .

She said: “Endemic corruption gradually ate up the very values on which they were founded and rendered them the impotent institutions we now know. .

“The latest group of abducted children are not just hostages of terrorists; they are hostages of the unforgivable failure of governments and a political class that refuse to be moved, and to a people whose empathy has been steadily eroded.”

How Nnamdi Kanu Scored Own Goal

By
The Source
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Maxwell Opara and Nnamdi Kanu

By Willie Amadi

“As a lawyer, I have never seen in my whole life where a defendant-layman was advised by his lawyers to defend himself in a complex international criminal trial and, worst still, not to submit and streamline his defences in the matter on a mere assumption that the arraignment was based on an alleged non existing law without any judicial proof”

My brother MNK,

I am pained seeing you pass through these processes. I remember with nolstagia, your smiles and humor in the company of  my late great friend and brother, Barr. Emma Mezu whenever you visited his Enfield residence United Kingdom in 2005. You were full of energy and I recall advising you to read law to warehouse the sprawling brilliance I noticed in you. I also observed your disdain for injustice against the blacks in the UK and also the Igbos in Nigeria. I have also keenly followed your determination in the freedom fight for the Ibos with the fear that if not well managed legally and politically, the price to be paid may be high. The surging crowd that believed in your civil and peaceful agitation  for freedom were effervescent but at the same time highly vulnerable with the chances of metamorphosing into a mob and eventually turning into a criminal gang which will  be difficult to debrief eventually. For the first time, I was shocked to see the cult followership when you visited Owerri in August 2012 and paid a courtesy call on my cousin, Chief Paul Nnawuchi, Owe of Owere of blessed memories.

Today, like any other freedom fighter, you are passing through the furnace like a gold which may turn you into a 24 karat gold, but you must remain prayerful, humble, strategic and diplomatic to make it happen.

I lost hope in your trial when Kanu Agabi, SAN, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN and Mike Ozhekome, SAN all erudite members of the inner Bar, fully versed in the anatomy of high-wire criminal litigation procedure became disengaged at the most critical moment of your trial, only for content creators to hijack a matter of sensitive criminal and international significance and reduced it to TikTok.

As a lawyer, I have never seen in my whole life where a defendant-layman was advised by his lawyer to defend himself in a complex international criminal trial, and worst still asked not to submit and streamline his defenses in the matter on a mere assumption that the arraignment was based on an alleged non existing law without any judicial proof.

The fact that the arraignment was allegedly brought under either a repealed or ammended law with an inherent SAVINGS PROVISIONS unknown to the  your counsel which states…inter alia

SECTION 98.(1) The Terrorism (Prevention) Act, No. 10, 2011 is repealed.

(2) Any regulation, order, requirement, certificate, notice, direction,

decision, authorisation, consent, application, ongoing cases in the courts, request

or thing made, issued, given or done under the repealed Acts shall, if in force

at the commencement of this Act, continue to be in force and have effect as

if made, issued, given or done under the corresponding provisions of this Act.

(3) Any proceeding, prosecution, sentence, judgment, charge or cause

of action pending or existing immediately before the commencement of this

Act under any of the repealed Act in respect of any right, interest, obligation

or liability, may be continued or commenced, as the case may be, and any

determination of a court of law, tribunal or other authorities or person may be

enforced to the same extent that such proceeding, prosecution, sentence,

judgment, charge, cause of action or determination might have been continued,

commenced or enforced as if this Act had not been made”

The above provisions made it more difficult to adopt the naive strategy by your counsel.

This protracted legal issue under the firm and guided representation of the trio of Agabi, Ikpeazu and Ozhekome would  have made a whole world of difference with new legal jurisprudence espoused thereafter. Your lawyer’s advice for self representation and refusal to defend the charges at the close of prosecution’s case left the court with no other option than to proceed and deliver final judgment and consequent sentencing, was simply an own goal.

However, I believe that there is still good hope, as it is never too late to correct a mistake because the wheel of justice grinds slowly but surely. The Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court being courts of records will timeously evaluate the  judgment of the Federal High Court visa a visa your refusal to defend yourself based on the strange and misguided advice from your counsel.

Going forward, I am of the considered opinion that a new humble beginning with matured wisdom should be deployed by you and your numerous supporters, particularly in the South East as you journey through the Court of Appeal and finally the Supreme Court, while political solutions will continue to be intensified by all men of goodwill.

My prayer is for your good health, protection and pardon as we invite God Almighty to intervene at his time.

It is well MNK.

Be strong

Amadi

LL.B, BL, LL.M, Ph.D in view, Lawyer, Author and Environmentalist writes from Owerri

Electricity Supply: Imo Govt. Accuses EEDC Of Deliberate Sabotage Of State Project

By
The Source
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Hope Uzodimma and EEDC

By Charles Igbo

The Imo Stae Government has alerted the people of the State and Security Agencies of what it described as “wicked” plans by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company, EEDC, to deliberately throw the State into darkness in a bid to sabotage the Light Up Imo Project

The project which aims at providing uninterrupted electricity supply to all parts of the State is billed to light up the State soon, beginning from Owerri Municipality.

But according to a statement signed by the Imo State Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Declan Emelumba, the EEDC, aware that it would lose a hold on the people as well as revenue in their continuous epileptic performance, has decided to embark on an unprecedented massive power outage in the State, and put the blame on the installation process of the Orashi Electricity Company. The Orashi Electricity Company is the State Government’s licensed Company through which the people will enjoy uninterrupted power supply.

If the EEDC goes ahead with its plans, the people will suffer massive disruption and losses in their businesses and everyday life. The Government says it is a ploy to turn the people  against the Orashi Electricity Company and so, create the false impression “that the company lacks the technical knowledge and capacity to function.”

Following is the full text of the statement.

EEDC PLANS MASSIVE ELECTRICITY OUTAGE IN IMO TO SABOTAGE STATE GOVERNMENT’S ELECTRICITY PROJECT

“The Imo State Government has obtained credible intelligence of plans by the management of Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) to unleach major power outages in Imo State in a bid to frustrate and sabotage the Light up Imo project which will soon provide uninterrupted light to all parts of the state.

“The government has ample evidence indicating that EEDC is determined to ensure that this effort of the Imo State government to provide reliable and affordable  electricity for Imo people is frustrated.

“The government has always known that the management of EEDC will want to hold on to its current monopoly of providing erratic electricity to Imo people at  exorbitant tariffs.

“The idea behind the planned massive power outage by EEDC is to turn around and blame the installation process of the Orashi Electricity company, the state government’s licensed company, for the blackouts.

“EEDC has already prepared a statement it will issue  blaming the state government  and  Orashi Electricity Company for the outages. This is a ploy to turn Imo people against the  company and also create the false impression that the company lacks the technical knowledge and capacity to function.

“EEDC is already aware that the first phase of the Light Up Imo Project will significantly cover the entire Owerri metropolis and is  therefore afraid of losing its monopoly and the attendant revenue. That is  the reason for  this desperation.

“The government is by this statement  putting Imo people on notice of this unholy plan by EEDC to inflict avoidable hardship and huge losses to businesses through this wicked plan to throw the state into darkness anytime  from today or tomorrow.

“Security agencies are also being alerted on this  wicked  plan by EEDC to sabotage a fully licensed company from fully carrying out its responsibilities and, of course, the implications of such lawlessness.”

No More Police Escorts For VIPs, As President Tinubu Orders Withdrawal Of Escorts

By
Ayodele Oni
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Nigerian Police

By Ayodele Oni

As further measure to ensure safety of Nigerians living in rural areas, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the withdrawal of police officers currently providing security for Very Important Persons, (VIPs) in the country.

Henceforth, police authorities will deploy them to concentrate on their core police duties.

A statement by the Special Adviser on information and strategy to the President, Bayo Onanuga, explained that the presidential directive was issued at the security meeting Tinubu held on Sunday with the police, Air Force, army chiefs and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, DSS, in Abuja.

According to the Presidential directive, VIPs who want police protection will now request well-armed personnel from the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps.

“Many parts of Nigeria, especially remote areas, have few policemen at the stations, thus making the task of protecting and defending the people difficult.

“In view of the current security challenges facing the country, President Tinubu is desirous of boosting police presence in all communities.

“Already, President Tinubu has approved the recruitment of 30,000 additional police officers. The federal government is also collaborating with the states to upgrade police training facilities nationwide.

“Sunday’s meeting was attended by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Waidi Shaibu; the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke; the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun; and the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Tosin Adeola Ajayi.”

Church Attacks: Bishop Oyedepo Urges Christians To Rise, Take Charge Against Genocide Attack

By
Akinwale Kasali
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Bishop David Oyedepo

By Akinwale Kasali

Bishop David Oyedepo has lamented the attack on Churches and  Christians by Bandits, saying the situation has become worrisome.

The Founder and Presiding Bishop of the Living Faith Church Worldwide popular as Winners Chapel said the rising insecurity in Nigeria, following recent attacks on Churches that left several worshippers dead and others abducted, need urgent attention, urging Christians to rise before the genocide against Christians leads to anarchy.

Oyedepo said this on Sunday at the 4th Pre-Shiloh Encounter Service, where he expressed deep concern over the state of the nation.

He said: “Developments in the past two weeks, particularly in Nigeria, are worrisome to say the least. The need for a prompt response in prayers to stop the killings once and for all. You can’t trade people’s lives for your comfort. All the innocent blood shared is speaking vengeance…all the perpetrators will pay with their lives.”

The revered Clergyman further asserted his connection to the nation, stating, “No one is more Nigerian than myself. We all have our ancestral grounds. We all know power passes power, no power passes the power of God.”

He however urged members of his Church to engage in midnight prayers, saying: “We are going out on a midnight raid (prayers).

“Every member of this Church should be awake one hour before violence descends to anarchy in Nigeria… you mean a church was invaded during worship, and people were killed and abducted and nothing happened?

“The God of justice is rising. He gave reasons why the wicked will be cursed in prayers (Genesis 12:3).”

He further stressed that Nigeria’s spiritual identity, declaring, “When God steps in, the pride of men is cut. Every arrogance will be cut down. Nigeria will never descend into chaos. I want them to hear these hard things because they are coming from the burning spirit of a prophet.”

Speaking further, Oyedepo cited the scripture on peace, saying, “When God speaks it is accompanied with peace, Psalm 85:8, ‘I will listen to what God the LORD will say; for He will surely speak peace to His people and His saints. He will not let them return to folly.’ I’ve been shouting this for 15 years; he (God) has prompted me to speak again.”

Condemning the act of violence, kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, he said, “We shall be calling for justice against those responsible for acts of violence. We are raiding the camp of the wicked; let’s all partake in the midnight prayer. All winners anoint your houses. Every attack against the church shall be met with divine justice. Don’t politicise human life; it’s immoral. Let’s join our hands and our hearts together and pray that prayer, one hour only 12am-1am.”

Nnamdi Kanu: Heightened Security In Abia State As Police Mounts 24-Hour Surveillance

By
Suleiman Anyalewechi
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Danladi Isah - Abia State Commissioner of Police

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

The Abia State Police authorities have mounted heightened security in all parts of the State

The Commissioner of Police, Danladi Isah, on an unscheduled visit at the weekend, gave  marching orders  to heads of various police  formations to mount a round-the-clock surveillance around schools, particularly public institutions, faith-based centres and other critical infrastructural facilities in the State.

The Source reports that the heightened security arrangements  are believed to be part of proactive measures  meant to forestall security breaches in the face of the recent conviction and sentencing of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra IPOB, and the spate of mass abductions, especially school children rocking some parts of the country.

There have been subdued tension, and anxiety within the South East region since Kanu was sentenced to life in jail by Justice James Omotosho of an Abuja Federal High Court on Thursday November 20,2025 .

Not are a few people are apprehensive that the region which has been the epicentre of agitations, violent activities, wanton destruction of properties and killings of innocent residents since the beginning of the travails of the IPOB leader, may be plunged deeper into the abyss as a result of the controversial Abuja Court’s pronouncement.

Although many political, religious and community leaders from the South East  including Peter Obi ,Dr Alex Otti ,the Abia State Governor ,and the Deputy speaker of the House of Representatives Rt Hon Benjamin Kalu, have since sued for calm and understanding , there are palpable fears that the already fragile peace of region may be disrupted.by angry youths in particular.

The feeling of uncertainty, tension and fear is accentuated by the recent abduction of a sizeable number of school children in Kebbi and Niger states by  terrorists .

The unfortunate events have since forced the Federal Government , and some state Governments including Katsina, Kano l, Taraba ,Niger , Kwara, Plateau, Adamawa and Kebbi to order the closure of schools in security-challenged areas of their states, as well as issuing other security advisories meant to contain the ugly situation.

The Abia state CP who was accompanied on the visit by some Area Commanders, and heads of tactical units appealed to the people to always volunteer credible intelligence that could assist the police in adequately protecting the State.

He also called for calm and peace among the people.

President Tinubu Confirms Release Of Kwara Worshippers, Escape Of Niger Pupils

By
Ayodele Oni
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0
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

By Ayodele Oni

President Bola Tinubu on Sunday confirmed that the 38 victims kidnapped from a Christ Apostolic Church, (CAC), in Eruku, Kwara State last week have regained their freedom.

Tinubu in a statement he personally signed on Sunday, said the rescue was made possible through the combined efforts of security agencies.

The statement reads :

“My fellow Nigerians,

“You will recall that I cancelled my trip to the G20 summit in South Africa to enable me coordinate the security efforts at home.

“Thanks to the efforts of our security forces over the last few days, all the 38 worshippers abducted in Eruku, Kwara State have been rescued.

“I am equally happy that 51 out of the missing students of the Catholic School in Niger State, have been recovered.

“I am closely monitoring the security situation nationwide and receiving continuous updates from the frontline.

“Let me be clear: I will not relent. Every Nigerian, in every state, has the right to safety — and under my watch, we will secure this nation and protect our people.”

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